Project controls

It refers to the data gathering, management and analytical techniques employed to predict, understand and influence the outcome of the time and cost of the project. Besides, it is done through communication of information in a way that helps to provide effective governance, management, and decision-making in a project. The project controls discipline includes project strategy, scheduling, cost estimation, risk management, earned value management, forensic assessment, supplier performance measurement and stakeholder analytics. The performance of a project relies on the planning employed on it. This can be achieved by using an effective schedule control methodology (Lester, 2013). In project management, the development of a successful project control system helps in eliminating situations of project failure. Therefore, it plays a critical role in project management efforts. Moreover, a suitable project control system reduces the project execution slip by approximately 15%.

Project Planning

Project planning refers to a project management discipline that entails techniques used complete a project within a specific timeframe. Besides, it involves defined stages and resources. The steps involved in project planning include the following. First, the project needs to have well-defined goals. A successful project is the one that meets the requirements of the stakeholders (Haughey, n.d.). Therefore, in this step, it is important to identify the stakeholders involved in the project. Second, you should develop project deliverables. The stage includes creating a list of requirements that the project needs to meet the goal (Haughey, n.d.). In addition, all the project teams should familiarize with the list of deliverables. Third, develop a project schedule and this will involve tasks that should be carried out. The schedule should involve the deadline of the project taking into consideration the productivity and availability of the team members. Fourth, you should create a budget for the project and the supporting plan. The supporting plan will include the communication plan, human resource plan, and the risk management plan.

Work Breakdown Structure

It refers to the technique that is used to break down a project into components that are manageable. It is the form of a tree and shows subdivisions of all the required effort that would make the project achievable (Harrison & Lock, 2004). Moreover, the work breakdown structure defines the scope of the project into manageable components that the team members of the project can understand since each level provides detailed information. The work breakdown structure of a project is created by identifying the major functional deliverable. This deliverable will be sub-divided into smaller systems and sub-deliverables. Moreover, the sub-deliverables will be further decomposed to a situation where one person can be assigned the task. The work breakdown structure is used for the following reasons. First, it is used to define and organize the project (Harrison & Lock, 2004). For instance, the budget of the project can be allocated at the top level and the department budget calculated for each level. Similarly, time and cost estimate allocation on the work breakdown structure helps to develop a project schedule and budget quickly. Second, the work breakdown structure is used to determine potential risks that might affect the project. Branches in the work breakdown structures that are not well defined pose risk issues.

References

Harrison, F. L., & Lock, D. (2004). Advanced project management: A structured approach. Aldershot, England: Gower.

Haughey, D. (n.d.). Project Planning a Step by Step Guide. Retrieved May 01, 2016, from https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/project-planning-step-by-step.php

Lester, A. (2013). Project Management, Planning and Control. Elsevier Science.

 
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